The gun sounds, and they're away
The Spirit of New Zealand shadows a waka
The pride of the Ports of Auckland
tinny that found itself fishing in the middle of a race fleet was almost sucked into the Daldy's propellors as the old tug went astern to make way for the race fleet. The little Logan-designed Gypsy wasn't so lucky. The 18m
yacht Antaeus sliced through the 32ft Gypsy like frozen butter. (See the full report in this issue.) Racing was held around Auckland with divisions ranging from the miniature Electrons up to the America's Cup greyhounds at locations from Rakino Island and Mahurangi in the north to Maraetai in the south. Spectators were treated to a view of Auckland's two favourite AC competitors, Team New Zealand and Prada. Team NZ was out showing her colours for the regatta and the Prada team decided to join their friends and rivals in a show of support. Visitors to events at and around the Viaduct, such as the Seafood Festival and the Laneways Music Festival were able to enjoy a parade and see the competitors close up when many of the vessels made their way to the viaduct. Special berths in the Viaduct Basin were reserved for the recently restored classic yachts right outside the restaurants to make it easy to see the beauty of an earlier sailing era just along from the sleek technology of the America's Cup boats. See www.regatta.org.nz
March/April 2012 Professional Skipper 59
VIP.S86
